Input device for refrigerator

ABSTRACT

The present invention discloses an input device for a refrigerator through which the user can input a control command for controlling the operation of the refrigerator. The input device for the refrigerator can reduce an operation error and cut down a production cost by using optical signals. The input device for the refrigerator includes a display device having at least one button region, and an optical sensor unit mounted on the front or side surface of the display device, for advancing optical signals at the front portion of the button region.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to an input device for a refrigerator through which the user can input a control command for controlling the operation of the refrigerator, and more particularly, to an input device for a refrigerator which can reduce an operation error and cut down a production cost by using optical signals.

BACKGROUND ART

In general, a refrigerator is an apparatus for keeping the food fresh for an extended period of time. The refrigerator includes a freezing chamber for freezing the food, a refrigerating chamber for refrigerating the food, and a freezing cycle for cooling the freezing chamber and the refrigerating chamber. The operation of the refrigerator is controlled by a built-in control unit.

In order to maintain the freezing chamber and the refrigerating chamber at an appropriate temperature or a wanted temperature of the user, an operation panel with a plurality of buttons for selecting the freezing intensity or refrigerating temperature is installed on a door of the refrigerator.

In detail, in the operation panel, a PCB for controlling the operations of the components according to an external signal is installed in a casing caved in the door, and the operation buttons connected to the PCB are disposed on the front surface of the door. The operation panel includes a display window for displaying the state of the refrigerator according to selection of the operation buttons.

The display window displays a plurality of functions such as power freezing, power refrigeration, a refrigerating chamber temperature level, a freezing chamber temperature level, door control and deodorization. The user can select each of the functions by using the operation buttons of the operation panel.

The operation panel can include mechanical buttons for input of the user. In addition, the operation panel can include a touch screen or static electricity switches, so that the user can input a command for a specific function by contact.

In the case that the operation panel includes the touch screen for the refrigerator, when a menu is displayed on a screen of an LCD monitor, the user can selectively make an input. However, the touch screen is expensive. When the operation panel includes the static electricity switches for the refrigerator, the user cannot select an input on the screen of the LCD monitor. Moreover, an input error may be caused by moisture.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is achieved to solve the above problems. An object of the present invention is to provide an input device and method for a refrigerator which can reduce an operation error and cut down a production cost by using optical signals.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an input device and method for a refrigerator which can recognize an input of the user by interception of optical paths without requiring clicking of the user.

In order to achieve the above-described objects of the invention, there is provided an input device for a refrigerator, including: a display device having at least one button region; and an optical sensor unit mounted on the front or side surface of the display device, for advancing optical signals at the front portion of the button region.

In another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an input device for a refrigerator, including: a display device for displaying at least state information of the refrigerator; a generation means for generating optical paths at the front portion of the display device; and a recognition means for recognizing interception of the optical paths, and transferring a corresponding signal to a control unit.

In yet another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an input method for a refrigerator, including: forming a button region; generating an optical path corresponding to the button region; sensing interception of the optical path; and performing a selection or command corresponding to the button region according to the sensing result.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will become better understood with reference to the accompanying drawings which are given only by way of illustration and thus are not limitative of the present invention, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a front view illustrating a side-by-side type refrigerator using an input device in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a front view illustrating an input device for a refrigerator in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a front view illustrating an input device for a refrigerator in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating the input device for the refrigerator in accordance with the present invention; and

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing sequential steps of the input method for the refrigerator in accordance with the present invention.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

An input device for a refrigerator in accordance with the preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a front view illustrating a side-by-side type refrigerator using an input device in accordance with the present invention, FIG. 2 is a front view illustrating an input device for a refrigerator in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A of FIG. 2, FIG. 4 is a front view illustrating an input device for a refrigerator in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating the input device for the refrigerator in accordance with the present invention.

Referring to FIGS. 1 to 5, in the side-by-side type refrigerator, a freezing chamber door 2 and a refrigerating chamber door 4 are hinge-coupled to a refrigerator main body (not shown) having a freezing chamber and a refrigerating chamber at both sides, an ice supply device 6 for supplying ice or cold water is installed on the freezing chamber door 2, and a home bar 8 for easily supplying beverages is installed on the refrigerating chamber door 4.

A freezing cycle (not shown) consisting of a compressor, a condenser, a capillary tube or an electronic expansion valve, and an evaporator is built in one side of the refrigerator main body. A cool air circulation fan (not shown) is provided to supply the cool air heat-exchanged in the evaporator side to the freezing chamber or the refrigerating chamber. The whole components are operated by a control unit 30 for controlling the operation of the refrigerator.

Especially, a display 10 for displaying the operation state of the refrigerator, and an optical sensor unit 20 for inputting a selection of the user to control the operation of the refrigerator are installed at the upper portion of the ice supply device 6. The display 10 displays at least one button region 14 a, and the optical sensor unit 20 recognizes the selection of the user by interception of optical signals, and transfers the selection of the user to the control unit 30.

In detail, as shown in FIG. 2, the display 10 includes a display unit 12 such as an LCD monitor, and a button unit 14 having the printed button regions 14 a on its periphery. Preferably, the display unit 12 is the LCD monitor needing a relatively thin mounting space, and the button unit 14 is made of an elastic material to be clicked and restored.

The user can select various items such as a menu, a freezing/refrigerating intensity, a temperature level and a service type (cubic ice, flake ice, etc.) of a dispenser through the button regions 14 a. The button regions 14 a are printed on the button unit 14.

The display unit 12 displays the state information of the refrigerator, such as the menu, the freezing/refrigerating intensity, the temperature level and the service type of the dispenser. Still referring to FIG. 2, the display unit 12 displays an interface screen for selection of the user. The display unit 12 electrically displays button regions 16 a, 16 b and 16 c which can be selected by the user like the functions of the button regions 14 a. The button regions 16 a, 16 b and 16 c are operated complementarily with the button regions 14 a, so that the user can make various selections and commands (control command, set command, etc.).

As another example, as shown in FIG. 4, the display unit 12 electrically displays button regions 14 b, and the button unit 14 does not have any printed button region.

The optical sensor unit 20 is mounted on the front surface or the periphery of the front surface of the button unit 14 or the display unit 12. The optical sensor unit 20 includes a plurality of light emitting units 22 a to 22 h (22) for generating the optical signals, a plurality of light receiving units 24 a to 24 h (24) for receiving the optical signals, and a recognition unit 26 for recognizing interception of the optical signals between the light emitting units 22 and the light receiving units 24, and transferring a corresponding signal to the control unit 30. That is, the light emitting units 22 and the right receiving units 24 are formed in pairs, respectively, for generating optical paths. The recognition unit 26 recognizes interception of the optical paths by a selection input of the user (for example, a selection input by an object such as a finger, ball pen, etc.). Here, the recognition unit 26 and the control unit 30 can be provided as one microcomputer.

One straight line type optical signal is transferred from the light emitting unit 22 to the light receiving unit 24, for forming the optical path L (or optical signal). The light emitting units 22 and the light receiving units 24 are installed to face each other at regular intervals with optical signal crossing points. The light emitting units 22 and the light receiving units 24 are arranged on the front surface or the periphery of the front surface of the button unit 14 or the display unit 12, so that the optical signals L can perpendicularly cross each other.

The light emitting units 22 and the light receiving units 24 are prepared as infrared lamps/sensors or light emitting diodes, and installed on inside top, bottom and both side surfaces of an installation space H of the freezing chamber door 4. The light emitting units 22 and the light receiving units 24 are installed on the front surface of the installation space H, maintaining a depth of 3 to 5 mm from the inner wall of the installation space H. When the user approaches a finger or another object to the button regions 14 a, 16 a, 16 b and 16 c, the optical signals L (or optical paths) are intercepted. Especially, the display unit 12 displays the button regions 16 a, 16 b and 16 c in the points in which the optical signals L of the optical sensor unit 20 perpendicularly cross each other.

The optical signals L (or optical paths) can be continuously transferred from the light emitting units 22 to the light receiving units 24. In addition, the light emitting units 22 and the light receiving units 24 can be operated by a special input of the user. In this case, a button activation means 40 is preferably provided to supply power to the light emitting units 22 and the light receiving units 24.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, the button activation means 40 can be a general input means 15 formed in a button type or a static electricity type. According to the clicking input of the user, the input means 15 supplies power to activate the optical sensor unit 20, thereby generating the optical signals or optical paths L and recognizing the input of the user. The input means 15 can be an exclusive use button for activating the optical sensor unit 40, or a general input button corresponding to the use of the refrigerator by the user as described below.

The button activation means 40 can be an access sensor (not shown) mounted on the front surface of the refrigerator. That is, the access sensor can be formed in the position of the input means 15 to replace the input means 15. When the user approaches the refrigerator within a predetermined distance, the optical sensor unit 20 is activated. In addition, the button activation means 40 can be a means for sensing the use of the refrigerator by the user (for example, input selection of the input means 15 by the user). For example, identically to a door opening/closing sensor of the refrigerator, when the user opens the refrigerator door 2 or 4, the button activation means 40 activates the optical sensor unit 20 directly or by the control of the control unit 30.

In order to prevent an operation error by infiltration of moisture, the light emitting units 22 and the light receiving units 24 include waterproof units 28 made of a waterproof material which transmits light but intercepts moisture. The waterproof units 28 can be formed in various types, such as waterproof films molded on the light emitting units 22 and the light receiving units 24, or waterproof covers covered on the light emitting units 22 and the light receiving units 24.

The recognition unit 26 can be connected respectively to the light emitting units 22 and the light receiving units 24. While each of the light emitting units 22 generates the optical signals, the recognition unit 26 judges reception of the optical signals by each of the light receiving units 24, recognizes the interception positions of the optical signals, and transfers the corresponding selection signal to the control unit 30.

Here, the recognition unit 26 recognizes the crossing point of the two optical signals as coordinates (the mounting positions of the light emitting units 22 and the light receiving units 24), and transfers the selection signal for selecting the menu, the freezing/refrigerating intensity or the temperature level electrically displayed on the display unit 12 to the control unit 30 according to the coordinates. The control unit 30 controls the operations of each component according to the selection signal. In another case, the recognition unit 26 applies the selection signal including the intercepted coordinates to the control unit 30, and the control unit 30 checks the selection and command of the button region corresponding to the coordinates, and performs the operation control or setting according to the selection and command.

Preferably, the recognition unit 26 is formed as a circuit for judging the coordinates of the crossing points of the optical signals between the light emitting units 22 and the light receiving units 24, and the selection signals or the control commands corresponding to the coordinates. For example, the recognition unit 26 stores the coordinates of the A button region 14 a as (24 e, 24 f) or (e, f) according to the mounting positions of the light receiving units 24 e and 24 f. If the optical signals transferred to the light receiving units 24 e and 24 f are intercepted, the recognition unit 26 generates a selection signal notifying the selection of the A button region 14 a, and applies the selection signal to the control unit 30. In the state of FIG. 2, if the user selects the button region 16 a, the recognition unit 26 recognizes interception of the optical signals transferred to the light receiving units 24 d and 24 h, and applies a selection signal notifying ‘lowering the refrigerating temperature’ to the control unit 30. The above process is applied in the same manner to the other button regions 14 a (B to F), 16 b and 16 c.

As described above, when the button regions 14 a, 14 b and 16 a to 16 c are formed on the periphery of the button unit 14 or the display unit 12, and the optical sensor unit 20 is formed on the front surface or the periphery of the front surface of the button unit 14 or the display unit 12, this configuration can serve as general buttons or a kind of touch screen.

The operation of the input device for the refrigerator in accordance with the present invention will now be described in detail.

When the user clicks the button activation means 40, power is supplied to the light emitting units 22 and the light receiving units 24, so that the optical signals can be transferred from the light emitting units 22 to the light receiving units 24, respectively. In this state, if the user approaches a finger or object to one of the button region 14 a, the optical signals crossing each other in the selected button region 14 a are intercepted.

The items selected by the button regions 14 a can be electrically displayed on the display unit 12, or printed on the button regions 14 a. Therefore, the user can select the button regions 14 by referring to the information.

While the light emitting units 22 generate the optical signals, the recognition unit 26 senses the light receiving units 24 which do not receive the optical signals among the light receiving units 24. Here, the recognition unit 26 recognizes the coordinates of the interception point of the optical signals on the basis of the two light receiving units 24 which do not receive the optical signals, judges a corresponding selection signal, and transfers the selection signal to the control unit 30.

The control unit 30 controls the operations of each component or stores the selection of the user according to the selection signal, and displays the operation state of the refrigerator relating to the selected item through the display unit 12, so that the user can check the operation state of the refrigerator.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing sequential steps of the input method for the refrigerator in accordance with the present invention.

In detail, in step S61, whether the user attempts the button input by using the button activation means 40 is decided according to clicking of the input means 15, the approach of the user, or the use of the refrigerator by the user as described above. If the button activation is required, the routine goes to step S62.

In step S62, the optical sensor unit 20 is activated by the button activation means 40. That is, the optical paths L formed by generation of the optical signals by the light emitting units 22 and reception of the optical signals by the light receiving units 24 cross each other in the button regions 14 a, 14 b and 16 a to 16 c.

In step S63, the optical sensor unit 20 decides whether the user input exists according to interception of the optical signals or optical paths L. If the user input causing interception of the optical signals or optical paths L exists, the routine goes to step S66, and if not, the routine goes to step S64.

In step S64, the optical sensor unit 20 or the control unit 30 decides whether a set time elapses. If the set time elapses, the routine goes to step S65, and if not, the routine goes to step S63. In the case that the user does not make an input causing interception of the optical signals or optical paths L within the set time in the steps S63 and S64, it is deemed that the user will not make an input. It is thus not necessary to maintain the optical signals or optical paths L. The routine goes to step S65. In order to check the set time, the optical sensor unit 20 can include an individual time counting means (not shown). Meanwhile, the control unit 30 normally includes a time counting means. Therefore, the control unit 30 can decide whether the set time elapses.

In step S65, the optical sensor unit 20 stops generation of the optical signals or optical paths L by counting of the self time counting means, so that the user cannot make an input any more. In another case, the control unit 30 checks whether the set time elapses, and applies a stop command to the optical sensor unit 20, and the optical sensor unit 20 stops the operation.

In step S66, the recognition unit 26 judges whether it can recognize the coordinates according to the user input. That is, when the optical signals or optical paths L are intercepted by the user, if such interception occurs in the plurality of button regions 14 a at the same time or at intervals of a short time, the recognition unit 26 cannot easily recognize the coordinates. In addition, such interception may be caused by a mischief of a child. If the recognition unit 26 cannot recognize the coordinates, the recognition unit 26 ignores interception of the optical signals or optical paths L, goes to step S63, and waits for an additional input of the user. If the recognition unit 26 can recognize the coordinates, the routine goes to step S67.

In step S67, the recognition unit 26 applies the selection signal including only the coordinates to the control unit 30, or recognizes the selection signal including the selection for the button region 14 a, 14 b, 16 a, 16 b or 16 c corresponding to the coordinates, and applies the selection signal to the control unit 30. The control unit 30 judges the selection of the user according to the coordinates, or performs the selection and command according to the selection of the user included in the selection signal.

In FIG. 6, after step S62, if the input means 15 is clicked by the user again, the optical sensor unit 20 or the control unit 30 can stop generation of the optical signals or optical paths L.

As discussed earlier, in accordance with the present invention, the input device for the refrigerator cuts down the production cost and improves productivity, by deciding the button input position and the corresponding selection signal by interception of the optical signals or optical paths.

The input device for the refrigerator improves accuracy of the button input by recognizing the button input by interception of the optical signals. In addition, the waterproof units made of the material which transmits the optical signals but intercepts moisture are provided to the light emitting units and the light receiving units, thereby preventing an error or mis-operation by infiltration of moisture. As a result, operation reliability is improved.

Moreover, the user does not have to click or touch the button regions for input. That is, the user can easily make an input by intercepting the optical signals or optical paths simply by the approach.

Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described, it is understood that the present invention should not be limited to these preferred embodiments but various changes and modifications can be made by one skilled in the art within the spirit and scope of the present invention as hereinafter claimed. 

1. An input device for a refrigerator, comprising: a display device including at least one button region; and an optical sensor unit mounted on the front or side surface of the display device, for advancing optical signals at the front portion of the button region.
 2. The input device for the refrigerator of claim 1, wherein the display device comprises a display unit for electrically displaying the button region.
 3. The input device for the refrigerator of claim 1, wherein the display device comprises: a display unit for displaying state information of the refrigerator; and a button unit including various printed button regions around the display unit.
 4. The input device for the refrigerator of claim 1, wherein the optical sensor unit comprises: a plurality of light emitting units for generating the optical signals; and a plurality of light receiving units for receiving the optical signals.
 5. The input device for the refrigerator of claim 4, wherein the button region is formed in the crossing point of the optical signals transferred from the light emitting units to the light receiving units, respectively.
 6. The input device for the refrigerator of claim 4, wherein the light emitting units and the light receiving units are respectively installed on the facing surfaces at regular intervals.
 7. The input device for the refrigerator of claim 4, wherein the light emitting units and the light receiving units comprise waterproof units for preventing infiltration of moisture.
 8. The input device for the refrigerator of claim 7, wherein the waterproof units are waterproof films molded on the light emitting units and the light receiving units.
 9. The input device for the refrigerator of claim 7, wherein the waterproof units are waterproof covers covered on the light emitting units and the light receiving units.
 10. The input device for the refrigerator of claim 1, comprising a button activation means for activating the operation of the optical sensor unit.
 11. The input device for the refrigerator of claim 10, wherein the button activation means comprises at least one of a means for sensing the use of the refrigerator by the user, a means for sensing the approach of the user to the refrigerator, and an input means for acquiring a button activation command from the user.
 12. The input device for the refrigerator of claim 1, comprising a button region recognition unit for recognizing interception positions of the optical signals, when the optical signals are intercepted.
 13. The input device for the refrigerator of claim 12, comprising a control unit for performing a selection and/or command for the button region corresponding to the positions of the optical signals recognized by the button region recognition unit.
 14. An input device for a refrigerator, comprising: a display device for displaying at least state information of the refrigerator; a generation means for generating optical paths at the front portion of the display device; and a recognition means for recognizing interception of the optical paths, and transferring a corresponding signal to a control unit.
 15. The input device for the refrigerator of claim 14, wherein the display device comprises at least one button region corresponding to the optical paths.
 16. The input device for the refrigerator of claim 14, wherein the optical paths are formed between a plurality of light emitting units and a plurality of light receiving units.
 17. The input device for the refrigerator of claim 14, comprising a button activation means for activating the operation of the generation means and/or the recognition means.
 18. An input method for a refrigerator, comprising: forming a button region; generating an optical path corresponding to the button region; sensing interception of the optical path; and performing a selection or command corresponding to the button region according to the sensing result.
 19. The input method for the refrigerator of claim 18, which performs the step for generating the optical path according to the use of the refrigerator by the user, an optical path generation command, or the approach of the user, after the step for forming the button region.
 20. The input method for the refrigerator of claim 18, which ends the step for generating the optical path, when the optical path is not intercepted for a set time. 